Nice weather continues this week

Expect mostly sunny and warm conditions through midweek. A weak cold front will increase the chance of rain on Thursday.

South Florida's Monday forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid 60s. Tuesday should be a degree or two warmer - at least at night.

Central Florida's forecast: Mostly sunny with highs in the low 80s and lows in the low 60s.

Rip currents: from weather expert Jim Lushine:

March is the beginning of the rip current "drowning" season in Florida which lasts through August.

Statistics released by the National Weather Service reveal that 80 people in the U.S. and its territories died in rip currents in 2013.

Unfortunately, Florida led the nation with 26 deaths, with six drownings and 11 near drownings in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Due to limitations in gathering these statistics, the true number of deaths is likely higher.

Regardless, rip currents were far and away the deadliest weather-related phenomena in Florida and South Florida once again, outdistancing lightning which caused four deaths statewide, one of which was in south Miami-Dade County.

The majority of rip current drownings and near-drownings in southeast Florida involved visitors to the area, but deaths from those living in the area were also reported.

Without a doubt, the best way of being safe is to swim near a lifeguard. At other beaches and during off hours, flags are in place that signify how safe it is to go into the water.

Green: no problems; Yellow: caution; Red: danger; and Purple: sea creatures such as jellyfish. Better yet, know before you go.

The NWS issues a daily surf forecast that rates the rip current danger. In addition, the forecast identifies the danger from lightning and waterspouts. It also gives useful information such as water temperature, UV Index, and the times of high and low tides.